NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Movie producers, WIPO, NCC collaborate to curb online copyright piracy
Entertainment , General News

Movie producers, WIPO, NCC collaborate to curb online copyright piracy

306 total views today

 

 

 

By Salif Atojoko

 

Dr John Asein, the Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), says it has become imperative to develop strategies and tools to tackle online copyright piracy in the country.

 

Asein said this in his opening remarks at a meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)-supported project to develop strategies and tools to tackle online copyright piracy in the African digital market, on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

He described the initiative as a strategic intervention that would reposition Nigeria’s copyright ecosystem in the digital age, Mr Desmond Utomwen, Publicity Secretary, FCT, Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, said in a statement.

 

Asein noted that identifying technical and legal gaps and providing tools to disrupt online piracy would safeguard the future of the creatives.

 

Stakeholders from across Nigeria’s creative industry converged in Abuja for the official kick-off meeting of the WIPO-supported project.

 

“Nigeria is one of only four African countries selected for the flagship initiative, aimed at strengthening legislative frameworks, building enforcement capacity, and raising public awareness around digital copyright infringement.

 

“The project, implemented in collaboration with the NCC, comes at a critical time when Nigeria’s thriving creative industries, particularly Nollywood, face mounting losses due to the proliferation of pirated content across digital platforms,” said the statement.

 

Speaking at the event, Dr Oluwatobiloba Moody, Director of the WIPO Nigeria Office, emphasised WIPO’s commitment to protecting intellectual property as a key driver of innovation and economic development.

 

He added that the project reflected WIPO’s deepening collaboration with African countries and shared determination to defend the rights of creators in the digital space.

 

Dr Queen Ebigieson, National President of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria (AMP), praised the initiative as a turning point for Nollywood producers who had long borne the brunt of digital piracy.

 

“For years, our industry has suffered economic losses, reputational damage, and creative fatigue due to online piracy.

 

“This project will equip producers with the legal backing, technical tools, and enforcement partnerships needed to finally push back,” Ebigieson said.

 

She also highlighted the importance of sustained advocacy and industry collaboration.

 

“We must ensure that the awareness materials and capacity-building components of this project reach grassroots filmmakers and digital content creators, not just major studios.

 

“The strength of Nollywood lies in its diversity and reach,” she stated.

 

The project overview was presented by Dr Tobias Bednarz of WIPO, while the current state of online copyright infringement in Nigeria was examined by Michael Akpan, an IP expert and the project’s National Consultant.

 

Dr Ioannis Kikkis, a consultant, also led a session on enforcement mechanisms in the digital environment. (NAN)

 

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

Coronation Capital advises African entities on funding local projects
Business

Coronation Capital advises African entities on funding local projects

319 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

Coronation Capital Ltd. on Saturday advised African entities to prioritise funding African projects for sustainable growth.

 

Its Managing Partner, Kayode Akindele, made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.

 

Akindele said that this was necessary as a result of overdependence on developmental money, which is not sustainable.

 

He emphasised the need for African-led funding to drive long-term progress, reducing dependence on external sources.

 

He said by supporting African projects, entities can foster economic independence, promote local innovation, and address specific regional needs.

 

“There has been an overdependence on developmental money; that isn’t sustainable.

 

“If Africa must set the agenda and ensure long-term progress, African entities need to fund African priorities.

 

“Family offices, in particular, must become strategic allocators, not just silent participants.

 

“We’re proud to stand with AVCA in pushing this narrative forward.”

 

Akindele said that to deepen conversation on this, Coronation Capital, in partnership with Trium, subsidiaries of Coronation Group Ltd., sponsored the 2025 African Private Capital Association (AVCA) Conference in Lagos.

 

He said the conference explored key themes such as the evolving role of family offices, climate-smart investing, infrastructure financing, and pathways to deepen institutional participation in Africa’s growth journey.

 

He noted that the sponsorship was a demonstration of the two companies’ commitment to driving Africa’s economic transformation through capital stewardship, innovation, and intergenerational financial strategies.

 

According to him, the conference, with the theme “Bold Moves: Powering 10x in Africa,” convened over 1,000 delegates from more than 50 countries across the private capital spectrum.

 

Also, Mr Adebayo Adewolu, Chief Executive Officer of Trium, highlighted the importance of context-specific investment vehicles led by African institutions.

 

Adewolu said, “Africa needs capital that understands its rhythm; it must be patient, strategic, and committed.

 

“The just concluded AVCA created a space where investment vision meets local insight.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmu Ashafa

Senator urges stronger collaboration in pension sector
Economy/Business

Senator urges stronger collaboration in pension sector

223 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, Sen. Oluwole Fasuyi, has urged pension operators to strengthen collaboration for better contributor welfare.

 

 

 

Fasuyi made this call on Saturday at the inaugural leadership retreat for the pension industry, organised by the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) in Lagos.

 

 

 

The retreat, which began on Thursday and ended Saturday, had the theme: ‘Sustainable Retirement: Strategic Blueprint for Economic Development and Inclusion.’

 

 

 

He stressed the need for joint efforts to tackle sector challenges and enhance the system for those who rely on it in retirement.

 

 

 

“Operators, regulators and legislators must deepen collaboration to change the pension narrative and enhance contributor welfare,” he said.

 

 

 

He noted rising concerns from contributors wishing to exit the scheme, with the committee frequently receiving petitions against its mandatory nature.

 

 

 

However, he said expanding inclusion through public awareness remains a legislative priority, noting the market is larger than the reported ₦22 trillion.

 

 

 

He clarified that legislative oversight should not be mistaken for hostility, urging the Senate be included in all industry engagements.

 

 

 

Fasuyi described Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) as social welfare players, who must prioritise contributor wellbeing alongside financial returns.

 

 

 

“I commit to ensuring our oversight role retains a human face,” he assured operators.

 

 

 

Also speaking, Mr Mohammed Ahmad, founding Director-General of PenCom, emphasised the importance of collaboration within the pension industry.

 

 

 

He said PenCom was created by the legislature, and stronger partnerships among lawmakers, employers, employees and regulators are crucial for sector development.

 

 

 

Ahmad noted that saving for the future is difficult due to low incomes, high unemployment and significant cash held outside the banking system.

 

 

 

To sustain growth, he called for bridging industry knowledge gaps and preserving institutional memory to strengthen operations.

 

 

 

Umar Mairami, former Managing Director of Premium Pension, urged stakeholders to grow contributor numbers, which remain alarmingly low.

 

 

 

He said increased participation would boost business for PFAs and, in turn, support broader economic development.

 

 

 

A surge in contributors, he added, translates to higher business volume and improved national growth indicators.

 

 

 

Mairami advocated tax exemptions for contributors to encourage participation and promote retirement security.

 

 

 

He called on industry players to agree on a shared goal to boost enrolment and build unity across all parties.

 

 

 

“We must balance profitability with contributor protection to sustain long-term industry growth,” he added.

 

 

 

Dr Faruk Aminu, former PENCOM investment head, urged PFAs to increase value creation for contributors through improved services.

 

 

 

He advised lawmakers to consider mandating higher employer contributions to address pension adequacy challenges.

 

 

 

“Policy consistency is essential. Problems in pensions impact all sectors of the economy,” he warned. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Coronation reaffirms commitment to Africa’s growth
Business

Coronation reaffirms commitment to Africa’s growth

299 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

Coronation Group has reaffirmed its dedication to Africa’s transformation, committing to impactful initiatives that support sustainable development and long-term prosperity across the continent.

 

 

 

Mr Wole Onasanya, Group Chief Executive Officer, stated on Sunday that Coronation will return as Gold Sponsor of the 2025 Africa CEO Forum.

 

 

 

He noted that the sponsorship aligns with Coronation’s vision for a thriving and prosperous Africa, driven by collaboration, innovation, and purpose-led leadership.

 

 

 

“Coronation Group is proud to return as a Gold Sponsor of the Africa CEO Forum 2025,” Onasanya said.

 

 

 

The Forum takes place on May 12 and 13 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, gathering top African business leaders and policymakers.

 

 

 

“This platform remains vital for shaping strategic dialogue, encouraging partnerships, and creating a shared vision for Africa’s economic future,” Onasanya said.

 

 

 

He added, “Our continued sponsorship reflects Coronation’s unwavering commitment to Africa’s progress and legacy-building efforts.

 

 

 

“We view ourselves as a prosperity partner, dedicated to sustainable wealth creation and meaningful economic transformation.

 

 

 

“The Forum offers a space for thoughtful engagement, collaborative leadership, and visionary ambition. We’re honoured to support it once again.”

 

 

 

Onasanya confirmed that Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Coronation Group, will lead Coronation’s participation at the Forum.

 

 

 

Aig-Imoukhuede will feature in a headline one-on-one discussion on how African family-owned businesses can evolve from survival to generational legacy.

 

 

 

Paul Abiagam, Acting CEO of Coronation Merchant Bank, will also participate in a strategic panel on navigating the Cost of Capital Crisis.

 

 

 

The panel will explore how African businesses can respond to geopolitical shifts with innovation and opportunity-focused strategies.

 

 

 

“Coronation is dedicated to African-led financial solutions that unlock the continent’s potential,” Onasanya said.

 

 

 

He added that the Africa CEO Forum offers a vital stage for turning bold financial ideas into action.

 

 

 

“At the heart of our participation is craftsmanship — our ethos expressed through transformational financial services across Africa.

 

 

 

“It’s a belief we carry into every market, every partnership, and every opportunity,” he said.

 

 

 

Presidents from Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, South Africa, Ghana, Rwanda, and Tanzania are expected to attend the Forum. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

PETAN: Driving local content partnerships, sustainable energy transition
Features , Oil & Gas

PETAN: Driving local content partnerships, sustainable energy transition

395 total views today

 

 

 

By Yunus Yusuf (News Agency of Nigeria)

 

Africa stands at a critical juncture in the global energy landscape, rich in hydrocarbon reserves but burdened by energy poverty, foreign dependency, and the pressures of a shifting global energy paradigm.

 

At the forefront of Africa’s strategy to address these issues is the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), a consortium of indigenous oilfield service companies leading a continental push toward local content development and strategic energy partnerships.

 

Founded in 1990, PETAN has evolved from advocating equitable opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to exporting oilfield expertise across Africa.

 

Its blueprint—built on indigenous capacity and regional collaboration—offers a practical path to energy independence and sustainable economic growth.

 

As more African nations discover oil and gas resources, the PETAN model is increasingly seen as a template for success.

 

In spite of persistent challenges such as regulatory uncertainty, limited access to finance, and technology gaps, PETAN remains resolute.

 

Its presence at global conferences like the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston has significantly amplified Nigeria’s footprint in the global energy space.

 

Through the Nigerian Pavilion at OTC 2025, PETAN showcased indigenous capabilities, fostered international partnerships, and reinforced its commitment to local content development.

 

With over 70 Nigerian participants and 30 Nigerian companies participating, the event marked a milestone in the country’s drive to position local firms on the global stage.

 

Mr Emeka Ene, a former PETAN Chairman, described the significance of the platform.

 

Ene said: “The OTC pavilion has become a viable platform for exhibitors to showcase their innovations and attract investment into the Nigerian oil and gas industry.”

 

According to PETAN’s Publicity Secretary, Dr Innocent Akuvue, this visibility underscores Nigeria’s growing technical capacity and PETAN’s role in transforming policy into tangible outcomes.

 

“PETAN has been instrumental in translating the Local Content Act from policy to practice.

 

“We’ve moved from rhetoric to real capacity development; training engineers, fabricators, and service providers who now compete globally, ” Akuvue said.

 

He said that PETAN member companies had invested significantly in technology transfer, infrastructure, and training.

 

“From developing fabrication yards to certifying technicians, their efforts have created jobs, retained in-country value, and enhanced technical resilience,” he added.

 

Chairman of PETAN, Mr Wole Ogunsanya, emphasised that local content is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s a business imperative.

 

Ogunsanya said, “We see local content not just as compliance but as a strategy for sustainable growth.

 

“It’s about nurturing ecosystems where local innovation thrives and drives Africa’s energy future.”

 

Ogunsanya highlighted PETAN’s broader continental ambitions.

 

He said that through engagement in international forums like OTC and African Energy Week, PETAN had emerged as a pan-African voice for indigenous capacity.

 

“In 2023, the association hosted the inaugural African Local Content Roundtable in Lagos, drawing stakeholders from Ghana, Angola, Uganda, and Mozambique,” he explained.

 

Ogunsanya noted, “Discussions centred on harmonising local content frameworks, regional training standards, and cross-border partnerships.

 

“One notable outcome has been PETAN’s technical support in Ghana and Equatorial Guinea, where Nigerian firms now collaborate with local companies to deliver oilfield services—strengthening intra-African cooperation and reducing dependence on foreign contractors.”

 

The chairman said that as the global energy landscape transitions, PETAN was aligning with the future.

 

He added that while hydrocarbons remain vital for Africa’s development, PETAN was actively investing in gas monetisation, renewable energy integration, and emission reduction technologies.

 

Ogunsanya stressed, “Gas is our transition fuel.

 

“Through investments in LPG distribution, flare reduction, and gas processing, PETAN companies are enabling cleaner energy solutions while driving inclusive growth.”

 

Ogunsanya said that to support this shift, PETAN gad been working closely with the African Energy Chamber and the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) to shape balanced energy policies that address both sustainability and development.

 

“Our mission is to build an Africa where energy drives development, not dependency.

 

“And we’re doing it—one partnership at a time,” Ogunsanya affirmed.

 

An energy law expert, Dr Ayodele Oni of Bloomfield Law Practice, commended PETAN’s regional approach:

 

“PETAN understands that Africa’s energy sustainability depends on integration.

 

“They’re not just promoting Nigerian capacity but advocating for a continental ecosystem where African companies support African projects,” he explained.

 

**If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)**

First Lady inaugurates 100-bed hospital in Imo
General News

First Lady inaugurates 100-bed hospital in Imo

310 total views today

 

 

By Salif Atojoko

 

Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has inaugurated a 100-bed Mother and Child Centre at Awo-Omamma General Hospital near Owerri, Imo.

 

The state-of-the-art facility, constructed by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), and named the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Mother and Child Centre, was inaugurated on Saturday.

 

The inauguration was performed on behalf of the First Lady by Hajia Nana Shettima, the Wife of the Vice President, Mr Desmond Utomwen, Special Adviser, Publicity and Strategic Communication, OSSAP-SDGs, said in a statement on Sunday.

 

She said that the inauguration was a critical milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

 

“This centre reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to delivering quality healthcare to Nigerians, particularly women and children.

 

“We must continue to prioritise maternal and child healthcare as a foundation for a healthier and more prosperous society,” she said.

 

She called on women and families in the surrounding communities to take full advantage of the healthcare services offered at the centre and to take ownership of the facility to ensure its sustainability.

 

She also extended gratitude to health workers, particularly nurses and midwives, who continue to play a vital role in improving maternal and child outcomes across the country.

 

The First Lady further commended the efforts of Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, and his wife, Chioma Uzodimma, for their dedication to the wellbeing of the people.

 

She praised the leadership of Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, for spearheading the implementation of impactful, pro-poor interventions across the nation.

 

The newly inaugurated hospital, sited within the Awo-Omamma General Hospital, features a comprehensive suite of healthcare amenities.

 

They include private and general wards, an operating theatre, recovery rooms, consultation units, scanning rooms, adult and paediatric intensive care units, a laboratory, ultrasound machines, emergency carts, delivery kits, and vacuum extractors.

 

Gov. Uzodimma, in his remarks, hailed the project as a timely and strategic intervention that addressed critical gaps in the state’s health sector.

 

He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his leadership and for recognising the health and dignity of mothers and children as national priorities.

 

“Naming this centre after Sen. Oluremi Tinubu is not only a well-deserved honour but a lasting reminder of her compassion, advocacy, and service to women and vulnerable groups.

 

“This facility is a major boost to our state’s integrated health infrastructure plan and will significantly reduce maternal and child mortality,” he said.

 

Orelope-Adefulire noted that the 100-bed facility is one of several built under the OSSAP-SDGs programme to strengthen sub-national healthcare systems.

 

She stressed that the hospital was conceived and delivered as part of the SDGs’ commitment to ensuring no Nigerian is left behind in accessing quality health services.

 

“This centre is a testimony to the First Lady’s enduring commitment to the welfare of mothers, children, and vulnerable populations, an ethos she upheld even before assuming her current office,” she said.

 

Highlighting findings from the Nigeria SDGs Progress Report 2024, she lamented that outcomes for maternal and child health remain below target.

 

She called for intensified advocacy to ensure pregnant women attend antenatal and postnatal clinics and that children receive timely vaccinations.

 

“This facility will commence full services within the next two to three months and is equipped to deliver quality care at all levels.

 

“We urge Imo State and its residents to embrace this intervention and make judicious use of it in a sustainable manner,” she said.

 

Orelope-Adefulire announced that her office would return to Imo in June for an empowerment initiative targeting women in the South-East region.

 

She reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening federal-state collaboration in delivering SDG-aligned projects.

 

The Imo State Government provided the land for the project, underscoring the collaborative effort between federal and state authorities.

 

The initiative is a response to existing healthcare challenges and a step toward a future where every mother and child can live healthier, more dignified lives. (NAN)

 

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

 

 

UTME: NGO blames dismal performance on poor digital literacy  
Education

UTME: NGO blames dismal performance on poor digital literacy  

272 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

The Regalo Hope Foundation (RHF), a non-profit organisation, had blamed poor performance of candidates in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on poor digital literacy.

 

The Founder of RHF, Dr Chinenye Onuorah, made the blame in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday.

 

Recall that more than 1.5 million out of 1.9 million candidates for the UTME organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) scored below 200.

 

A breakdown of the results released by JAMB showed that 983,187 candidates (50.29 per cent) scored between 160 and 199, while 488,197 candidates (24.97 per cent) scored between 120 and 139.

 

Onuorah, who expressed displeasure at the performance, said that there was an urgent need to exposure students adequately to tools for digital literacy.

 

“What this report reveals is not just a failure of preparation, it is also a failure of responsibility.

 

“It is what happens when young people are left to figure out digital literacy without the tools, exposure or training they need to succeed,” she said.

 

She called for public/private collaborations to empower students with digital literacy to improve their performances.

 

The RHF founder said it was important to create an enabling environment to get students prepared for such an examination to increase their success chances.

 

“We need to stop talking about the youth and start building with them,” she added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

‘Seven Doors’ sweeps 11th AMVCA’s top honours
Entertainment

‘Seven Doors’ sweeps 11th AMVCA’s top honours

321 total views today

 

 

 

By Babajide Awoyinfa

 

“Seven Doors”, an historical drama series by Femi Adebayo, has triumphed at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), winning three major awards, solidifying its standout status in Nollywood.

 

Femi Adebayo won Best Lead Actor for his portrayal of Adedunjoye, the king in the series.

 

Chioma Chukwuka also claimed the Best Lead Actress award for her role as Amaka, Adedunjoye’s wife.

 

The series also won Best Music/Score.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 11th AMVCA took place on Saturday at the Eko Hotels, Lagos.

 

This prestigious event celebrates excellence in African film and television, bringing together the continent’s brightest stars and industry professionals.

 

The awards ceremony also celebrated veterans Sani Mu’azu and Nkem Owoh with the Lifetime Achievement Awards.

 

Director Kayode Kasum took home the Trailblazer Award for his fresh, genre-defying impact on the industry.

 

Speaking at the event, Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, at MultiChoice, emphasised the AMVCA long-term commitment to the Nollywood industry.

 

Tejumola noted that the event was a sustainable project that has been evolving over the years to promote the industry’s growth.

 

“We are committed to capacity building, evolving the industry, producing and distributing the best local content available on the continent.

 

“The AMVCA continues to evolve every single year, and this edition is special as it spotlights younger artistes who will take the industry forward in the next 10 years,” Tejumola said.

 

According to Tejumola, the key to keeping viewers engaged is to create content that is relatable and resonates with them.

 

“The AMVCA has also had a significant impact on the careers of young artistes, with over nine billion Naira invested in the awards over the past 11 years.

 

“Additionally, the MultiChoice Talent Factory provides young filmmakers with a one-year development programme to hone their skills,” she said.

 

Other winners are: *Best Supporting Actor*: Gabriel Afolayan (Inside Life).

 

– *Best Supporting Actress*: Mercy Aigbe, for “Farmer’s Bride”.

 

– *Best Unscripted M-Net Original*: Nigerian Idol (Kassim SSulaimana and Anneke De Ridder).

 

– *Best Scripted M-Net Original*: My Fairytale Wedding (Chinenye Nworah & Taiwo Adebayo).

 

– *Best Digital Content Creator*: Iyo Prosper Adokiye, for “We Listen, We Don’t Judge – Bible Edition.

 

– *Best Documentary*: Dundun (Ifeoluwa Fatogun & Ebi Atawodi).

 

– *Best Short Film*: Jide Jblaze Oyegbile.

 

– *Best Cinematography*: Leo Purman, for “The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos”.

 

– *Best Editing*: Tongai Furusa, for “Inkabi”.

 

– *Best Sound Design*: Michael Botha, Olaosebikan Okonrende & Dil Chike Ajufo, for “Suspicion”.

 

– *Best Art Direction*: Soliu Badu Noutical & Ayanmo Yakub, for “Lisabi: The Uprising”.

 

– *Best Makeup*: Hakeem Onilogbo, for “Lisabi: The Uprising”.

 

– *Best Costume Design*: Adedamola Adeyemi, for “Christmas in Lagos”.

 

– *Best Writing in a TV Series*: Abel Mutua Musyoka.

 

– *Best Writing (Movie)*: Blessing Uzzi for “Freedom Way”.

 

– *Best Indigenous Language (West Africa)*: Adedimeji Lateef & Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji.

 

– *Best Indigenous Language (East Africa)*: Abel Mutua Musyoka.

 

– *Best Indigenous Language (Southern Africa)*: Cosmas Ng’andwe. (NAN)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Ex-govs Aliero, Mu’azu donate N40m to revamp dilapidated ABU infrastructure
General News

Ex-govs Aliero, Mu’azu donate N40m to revamp dilapidated ABU infrastructure

227 total views today

 

 

By Angela Atabo

 

Former Kebbi State Governor, Sen. Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) and former Bauchi State Governor, Alh. Ahmadu Mu’azu, have donated 40 million naira to rehabilitate some facilities in their old school.

 

The duo announced the donation at the maiden reunion of their Alma Mater, the School of Basic Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (SBS ABU Zaria 1976/1977 set in Abuja.

 

Aliero, who made the donation, acknowledged that times had changed, noting that government was now facing numerous challenges, including educational funding constraints.

 

“The contribution I made is towards the rehabilitation of some of the educational structures we have at ABU, our alma mater.

 

“This is because the chairman said he went round and saw a lot of dilapidated buildings.

 

“For that reason, I suggest that, before we leave here, we should contribute something, no matter how small, towards the rehabilitation of such structures, he said.”

 

The former governor explained that his own personal donation was N20 million, while Mu’azu would match it up with N20 million.

 

He called on other classmates to also generously contribute toward the project.

 

Aliero recalled that in the old good days when they were students, government support for their education, was quite extensive, and covered free tuition, transportation allowances, and even laundry services.

 

He, however, said there was hope for reviving education with President Bola Tinubu’s current student loan scheme.

 

According to him, indigent students will be able to access loans from it to fund their education.

 

“Over 500 billion Naira has been set aside for that purpose.

 

“Even the Tax Reforms Bill that the National Assembly passed, have incorporated that request and it’s going to continue.

 

“So, I am very optimistic that government will be able to continue funding education, though not like it was before,” the senator said.

 

Aliero further said that the SBS ABU Zaria 76/77 set had contributed a lot to national development by bequeathing indelible legacies, which they were very proud of.

 

Also speaking, Mu’azu said the set had produced governors, ministers and senators, among others, and challenged youths to take up leadership positions.

 

“This is your ball. This is your generation. A lot of you refuse to offer yourselves for public service.

 

“At the end of the day, we end up getting half-cooked, uneducated people to lead us.

 

“That is not good. “I want to still pass the ball to all of you. You must take up the banner,” he said.

 

The traditional ruler of Karshi, the Sarkin Karshi, Abuja, Alh. Mohammed Ismaila, also an alumnus, called for a more structured alumni network and to leverage them to support schools.

 

“These public institutions will continue to decay unless and until they do two things, one of which is to engage the alumni.

 

“If you see all the great universities in the world, they engage the alumni. But here, most of the time, the university authorities don’t reach out to us.

 

“They should also have a large alumni office and have a database, especially at this age of internet to reach for support for projects,” he said.

 

The President of the association, Rabiu Dagari, while delivering a keynote address, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to reconnect.

 

“It is with immense joy and profound gratitude that I stand before you today as the President of our Alumni Association, on this truly historic occasion, our very first reunion party after 48 remarkable years,” he said.

 

Dagari said the reunion was more than a nostalgic gathering, and was a celebration of unity, which was forged at their old school.

 

“Tonight is not just a celebration of nostalgia but a testament to the enduring spirit and unity which the School of Basic Studies, ABU, Zaria has made possible,” he noted.

 

According to the alumni president, the set has accomplished great feats, having produced governors, ministers, professors, military generals, and a reigning Emir among them.

 

He particularly referenced the renowned Prof. Iya Abubakar as a source of inspiration for younger generations.

 

Dagari urged the President Tinubu to tap into the wealth of experience and expertise within the class of 76/77 by appointing some of their distinguished alumni to key government positions.

 

He said the EXCO was working on a proposal to identify areas that the members of the class of SBS 76/77 would address as their contribution to their alma mater.

 

The president also called on members to contribute both financially and intellectually to ongoing restoration efforts.

 

He also called for a minute of silence to honour the 114 deceased members of the set, and extended condolences to their families.

 

The alumni association president further urged his classmates to reconnect while time still permitted.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

CSCS shareholders laud N1.76 dividend payment, 2024 financial report 
Economy/Business

CSCS shareholders laud N1.76 dividend payment, 2024 financial report 

279 total views today

CSCS shareholders laud N1.76 dividend payment, 2024 financial report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

 

 

Shareholders of the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) have expressed satisfaction with the company’s impressive financial performance and the declaration of a N1.76 dividend payment for the 2024 financial year.

 

The shareholders expressed their satisfaction during the company’s 31st Annual General Meeting in Lagos, where the 2024 financial report was presented.

 

The shareholders commended the company’s management team for their dedication to driving growth and increasing returns on investment.

 

Mr Boniface Okezie, Chairman of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, described the company’s financial result as excellent despite the economic headwinds.

 

Okezie tasked the CSCS on extending its operations to other African countries, considering its status as the biggest security depository registrar in West Africa.

 

He also commended the CSCS for being able to improve on curtailing fraud and forgery within the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.

 

He advised on reducing costs, particularly those related to expenses incurred by the board.

 

Also, Mrs Adetutu Shiyanbola, President of the Highly Favoured Shareholders Association of Nigeria, lauded the company’s 2024 financial performance.

 

She noted that CSCS’s impressive performance, marked by a 44 per cent growth in the company’s operating income, a 24 per cent rise in its profit before tax, a 37 per cent increase in gross earnings, and a 22 per cent growth in total assets, showcased the company’s significant responsibility and stewardship.

 

She encouraged the company to further enhance its gender balance policy, promoting greater diversity and inclusion within the organisation.

 

A member of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mrs Juliet Mbaka, commended the CSCS for the dividend paid and urged the company to look toward improving it in the current year.

 

Mbaka also urged the management of the company to consider giving some bonus to its shareholders.

 

Responding, Mr Temi Popoola, Chairman of the Board of Directors for CSCS, said the board would look critically into increasing dividends in the coming years.

 

He said one of the biggest projects the board was working on had to do with expanding the reach of the CSCS.

 

He explained that the CSCS is also working on embracing the African Exchange Linkage Programme as a way to extend its operations.

 

He said, “We are also taking intentional steps toward gender balance, embracing women with the right character and expertise on the board.”

 

Also, Alhaji Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Managing Director of CSCS, attributed the high cost of operation of the company to inflation, adding that the company continues to work on optimising costs.

 

He said the CSCS had achieved remarkable growth in combating cybercrime as it continues to invest hugely in cybersecurity infrastructure.

 

“We are scaling up our cybersecurity infrastructure, and this is one of the reasons we are incurring more costs. We are building KPIs and engaging Artificial Intelligence.

 

“Also, for our Corporate Social Responsibility, we are being strategic to embrace initiatives that, in turn, build our business,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

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